Wedding Advice Archive

Advice from Local Wedding Experts!

Planning your own wedding can have its challenges, but it needn't cause you a headache! Our advice page is designed to offer you the wisdom of industry professionals living and working right here in our very own world of weddings in the Bay

We have designed our advice page to provide you with downloadable articles so that you can compile your very own Hawke's Bay Weddings Reference Folder with information on a variety of topics from 'How to choose a photographer' to 'Essential questions to ask your Celebrant'.

We'll regularly be adding printable downloads to this page with advice direct from the experts in their field, so be sure to keep checking back to add to your file! To download the articles, simply click the 'read more' button and click the printer icon in the top left corner of the expanded view for a printable version.

Charisma Bridals award winning Sonsie range is designed specifically for curvaceous brides from sizes 18-30 only. These gowns feature a full control inside corset attached to the gown, which holds the gown in position without any shifting on the body. It also eliminates the need for wearing a bra, no matter what size bust you have! The designs incorporate many successful flattering features which will be pointed out per photo.

Style S91052 has a typical A Line body shape which skims the hip line. The sweetheart neckline is emphasized by soft diagonal rouching across the front bodice area (a very flattering line for any bride any size but especially for those worried about their stomach area) The slight rouching appears to soften the front of the gown skirt also and the beautiful lace jacket not only hides arms but adds a statement . Suits curvier figures.

S91059 has been designed with an extended rouched torso to define the curves and add the illusion of height by lengthening the body. This gown is a winner for anybody where the bust is much smaller than the hips (Commonly referred to as a Pear shape ) The skirt overlays do not add emphasis to the hips as one might fear but do hide a disproportioned body underneath.

S91205 features an A line silhouette in a soft lace over a satin. This gown suits the Apple shaped body very well as it is an Empire under the bust style. The waist is defined by the pleated bands travelling up to the center front which start just above the hip line at the side, As the top also features beautiful lace cap sleeves, the eye is focused on the bust and not the hip area. A soft feminine look , with a back feature of corset lacing which also aids better fitting to the body. Strapless styles can make shoulders look broader so thicker straps or some sleeve type can make the gown much more appealing, as well as securing it better for larger busts.

Style 1136 has an extended diagonal torso above the fuller A Line skirt ,which also feature a diagonal beaded overskirt. Diagonal placements break up body areas, and will disguise many of the problem areas that clients perceive as a worry.

Fuller skirts also narrow the top body look . While shown strapless, this gown has detachable shoestring straps above the sweetheart neckline, and many different strap options can be added. The back has the adaptable corset lacing for ease and comfort as well as being an interesting feature on the back. Many different body shapes can wear this gown style successfully.

Style 2329 . Flaunt those curves in this stunner. Defining the body with cross ruching and a corset back, this gown is also feminine and soft. Suits the hourglass figure extremely well! Height also helps with this gown as it has multiple layers on the skirt falling front a low front. Show your confidence in self with this one.

Style 2183 A winner in design! This V neck gown covers the décolleté with a detachable beaded panel ,but looks fabulous without it as a slight plunge look! This gown has upward diagonal rushing to draw the eye up from the hip and the small A Line skirt has ruching to soften and a waterfall drop for effect at the side. The Taffeta fabric smooths the body creating a streamlined silhouette. Thicker fabrics like satins and Taffeta, are usually used in the more structured gowns as these allow the figure to be shown to full advantaged and to draw attention to the best features of the body. Chiffons that free flows often just hang from a point and can make a larger frame quite shapeless. Fabrics that suit fuller frames that can be ruched, , folded,pleated or laced,( such as silk dupion.taffeta. satin or crepe) look great on because they conceal imperfections and disguise heavier areas.

Style 848 looks flowing ,but is actually a satin gown underlay covered with an organza which is appliqued with cut away lace. Empire in style, the gown is paneled into an A Line shape to skim the hip area. A stunning sweetheart neckline with shoestring straps and fully6 beaded bodice, the look is completed by the satin under bust band. The back is corseted and has a satin detachable long tailed bow at the waist to add back interest. The train is fully appliqued with the cut away beaded lace.

Fuller figure brides can shop with confidence knowing they are being considered by designers and stockists, and that they can and will look outstanding in the right style and fitting gown on the day!

Tips for having great hair on your wedding day

Just as important as the goals of losing weight, so the nana knickers don't have to stretch so far you need to plan at least 12 months out from your wedding date,your hair and hair style requirements.

You will need a plan to achieve the outcome of overall satisfaction for the big day.Importantly your hair and makeup style should suit the gown style and overall theme of the day. Tying in your bridesmaid look too is important to create a pleasing overall look.

My suggestions for your plan

Hair and make-up make appointments 12 months out. Involve your stylists in the overall vision of the wedding. Both hair and make-up artists need to see your gown, veil or hair adornments.

Your stylists may initiate a 12 month hair and skin care plans. If you’re having a spray tan prior to the wedding you need to advise stylists, different skin tones require different hair and makeup base colours. Include your bridesmaids in these appointments if possible.

At least two weeks prior to the wedding you should have a complete ‘final look’ practise, hair make-up, gown shoes and any accessories. Once again this is wise for bridesmaids too. Sometimes bridesmaids are not with you until the last minute but please ensure you do an ‘all together’ overview. It will make the world of difference in the photos. Look for tan lines, necklace lengths, hem lengths, shoe presentation; oops I was supposed to concentrate on hair. When I’m styling I do look at everything it’s very important when you want to achieve the very best result.

Hair – main tips

1. Consult with your stylist 2. The first step to create a great look is to focus on condition and health of your hair. 3. Regular cuts and conditioning treatments.4. Use a good quality shampoo and conditioner and treatment to maintain your hair between salon visits.5. Understand what your hair type, face and body shape is and what can be achieved.(creating a look that is so totally different from the norm can be a mistake if the finished styling and photos look nothing like you.)6. Create a vision of the finished look you wish to achieve. Utilize magazines and internet. Create a picture board.7. You will need to consider co-ordinating the look/style of your wedding, wedding dress.8. Consider the style of the dress, neck line, jewellery, veils and hairpieces or accessories. These considerations help a stylist co- ordinate a look that will compliment.

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Every wedding needs a celebrant, we suggest you make finding one for your special day a top priority. The celebrant is responsible for ensuring all legal requirements are met along with assisting couples to create their vows and to help couples convey their love with ease during the ceremony. Here are some tips from local celebrants whose contacts are available on the website.

Wedding Ceremony Tips for Couples

• Plan ahead - look for a Celebrant well in advance – the one you want may not be available otherwise!• Make sure that you and the Celebrant are compatible – ask for a meeting, facetime or skype - to ensure this.• Research and discuss with the Celebrant what type of service you would like i.e. relaxed, happy, formal, religious etc• Talk about content of the ceremony – vows, readings etc and ask for examples of these – ask if the ceremony can be personalised• Ask if the Celebrant includes a rehearsal – this is very important- as it puts everyone at ease – especially the bridal party, parents etcIt also gives you an opportunity to go through the ceremony, check your music and make any last minute changes. • Research your music – ipod, string quartet, crooner, organ – this adds to the ambience of the ceremony• Discuss microphones, videographers, photographers, florists, cake makers, hair & beauty etc• Ask if travel is included in the Celebrant’s fee• Don’t forget to discuss a wet weather option• Apply for your Marriage Licence with plenty of time – it is valid for 3 months and takes 3 days to process – the application “Notice of Intended Marriage” can be downloaded from www.bdm.govt.nz - ask your Celebrant for advice. The Court will either post you the licences (x2) or you can pick them up. Please check all the information is correct and do not fill anything out on the licence before your wedding day. Give the licences to the Celebrant at rehearsal – once signed on the day one is given to the married couple and one is posted back to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Girls, you sign in your maiden name. • A ceremony usually goes along these lines :(a) Welcome and Acknowledgement – this is where everyone is welcomed and acknowledgement is made of those who cannot be there(b) Separation – marriage and what it means to you (c) Manifestation – the legal part of the ceremony where your legally given names must be used – Do you ..... come here of your own free will? Do you ..... take ...... to be your lawful wedded partner etc(d) Ring Exchange and Signing of the Marriage Licences(e) Pronouncement – where you are announced legally married(f) ClosureThe most important thing of all is to have lots of fun, love and laughter planning your big day!!!

Don’t be afraid to have the ceremony you want!

If you want short and sweet, funny and quirky, traditional, or a mixture of everything, then ask this of your celebrant.It is your celebrant’s (in my opinion) responsibility to write the ceremony and to work with you as a couple to get it just right.I always offer my opinions when meeting with couples but always stress that I take my direction from them as it is their wedding, not mine.Ceremonies should be about the couple, love and commitment. Having a poem in there too is a good idea, it breaks up the ceremony a bit and people relax a lot more.If you’ve chosen a Civil celebrant this doesn’t mean that you can’t have religion in there too. I have quite often done a mixture of religion and my own wedding style.Choose a celebrant that listens to you, who has a lot of ideas and knowledge, but also someone who you get on with as this is the person who will be sharing a very intimate day with you!

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Catering Tips from Spoon Cuisine

Ok so the wedding is a year out and you're starting to plan for your big day. The best start is to go to www.hbweddings.co.nz to secure a venue and a good caterer. Things happen very quickly so the SOONER the better or you may miss out on your hearts desires.

Many caterers have websites with menus, costings, photos and even venues, so this is great opportunity to compare styles and budget to meet your needs. The average cost per person for a wedding reception meal ranges from $40-$90 per person depending on the numbers attending and the style of the wedding breakfast (the more guests - the better deal you're likely to get).

The Impact of Flowers - Styling Hints from the Professionals.

Your dream day...your wedding...your vision being created by the wedding experts. Flowers are one of the most important visual elements of your wedding day... Courtesy of Christine Simpkin, Director of Flowers by Chilton.

Flowers are one of the most important visual elements of your wedding day, unrestrained by tradition, today's bride can carry a bouquet of the flowers she adores. Flowers contribute to the overall appearance of your wedding day and create a colourful, and often fragrant, impact. Attention to detail and consistency throughout the entire wedding will give the sense of quiet elegance. Before you do anything, decide on a colour scheme. The styling should flow effortlessly throughout the wedding entirely; from the gorgeous gowns and bouquets to the stationery, cake and reception/venue décor.

Buying an Engagement Ring - A Couples' Guide

Ah! the romance of the proposal, the flowers, the music, the candlelight, the bended knee and then at last, the climatical moment , he presents you with a magnificent diamond solitaire, the perfect engagement ring, the engagement ring of your dreams, a beautiful everlasting symbol of your commitment to each other...

Courtesy of Bruce Jackson, Director of Unio Goldsmiths and Gallery

A Girl's Guide

No?... Not quite? Worried it might not be like that?...What if he gets it wrong – it's traditional not contemporary; chain store; yellow gold not platinum and you wanted a blue diamond / white sapphires! How can you wear that for the rest of your life?! Worse, how can you tell him that it's not what you want?!

Let's face it girls, sometimes a man needs a little help, a little subtle female guidance. If "you've seen one jeweller, you've seen them all" is what he's thinking. Knowing what you want is one thing, but finding it, well that's something else again.